The Devil’s Chaos (The Brotherhood #2)

29. Twenty-Nine

29

TWENTY-NINE

HAVEN

A fter Kai left, I showered and fell asleep. My adrenaline had worn off, and I was utterly exhausted. My phone dinged on my end table, jolting me awake. I fumbled for it in the dark, squinting at the harsh blue light of the screen.

It was Kai.

Done with the meeting. What are your plans for tonight?

Everything okay? No plans.

Yeah. I’ll tell you about it later. Would you like to come to a masquerade ball at the manor?

Are you asking me on a date, Mr. Montgomery?

As long as you put out, then yes.

You’re a dog.

So, that’s a yes?

To the ball or to putting out?

Both. Is that even a question?

Ask me nicely.

Are you trying to make my dick hard?

Is that even a question?

Will you pretty please come to the ball with me tonight?

Let me think about it.

Woman! Do you want me to come over there and spank your ass for playing games with me?

LOL. Yes, to both questions. What time does it start?

10 p.m.

I’ll be there.

I’m going to try to get some sleep. I’ll text you later.

Sweet dreams.

Only if you’re in them.

A contented smile played on my lips as I set my phone back on the bedside table. As I drifted to sleep, thoughts of Kai and the upcoming ball filled my mind. It would be a relief to attend an event without being pressured to fuck one of my family’s business connections. I could finally be myself, with no need for apologies or pretenses. With Kai on my arm, dancing and carefree.

I slept almost all day, and when I awoke, I was refreshed and giddy with anticipation. The prospect of attending a glamorous masquerade ball with Kai had me practically bouncing out of bed. I took my time getting ready, luxuriating in a long, hot shower and carefully applying my makeup. I wanted to look perfect for him.

I had bought a stunning crimson ball gown for another occasion but decided tonight was the perfect time to wear it. The fabric was soft and luxurious, draping elegantly over my body. Its sweetheart neckline accentuated my curves while the full, flowing skirt swayed with every step I took. The bodice was adorned with intricate beadwork that caught the light and shimmered like a million stars in the night sky. Completing my look was a delicate gold mask, its filigree design reminiscent of a Venetian masquerade ball. As I twirled in front of the mirror, the dress billowed around me like a whirlwind, and I couldn't help but feel like a princess straight out of a fairy tale.

I glanced at the clock and saw it was already 10 p.m., meaning I was already running late. Throwing my phone into my gold feathered clutch, I rode the elevator down to the parking garage. The drive to the manor seemed to fly by, and as I approached the sprawling estate, I was struck by its grandeur. I was no stranger to wealth, but this mansion was breathtaking. It stood before me, its towering fa?ade aglow with countless lights, giving it an otherworldly appearance. Music and laughter drifted through the air, beckoning me to join the revelry.

I handed my keys to the valet and made my way up the marble steps, my heart pounding. The moment I stepped through the grand double doors, I was transported to another world. The ballroom was a sight to behold, with its soaring ceilings, glittering chandeliers, and opulent decor. Guests in elaborate costumes and masks filled the space, their laughter and chatter mingling with the sounds of a live orchestra.

I scanned the room, searching for Kai among the sea of masked revelers. People were dancing, kissing, touching, and even fucking in the crowd. I moved farther into the ballroom, the skirt of my crimson gown swishing around my legs as I navigated through the crowd of guests.

Suddenly, a hand grasped my waist from behind, startling me. I spun around to find myself face to face with a tall, masked man in a tailored black tuxedo. His mask was a deep, midnight blue, adorned with silver filigree accentuating his blue eyes.

Eyes I knew all too well.

"Looking for someone?" Kai asked.

"Perhaps," I replied coyly.

He leaned in closer, his breath warm against my ear. "Dance with me," he whispered. It was more of a command than a request.

Before I could respond, he swept me onto the dance floor, his strong arms guiding me effortlessly through the swirling couples.

“You look absolutely stunning,” he said before smelling my skin. “And you smell so good.”

“Thank you,” I smiled.

I couldn’t help but smile. This felt good. Normal. I felt normal.

“I've been waiting for this moment all evening,” Kai murmured as his lips grazed the sensitive skin of my neck. “To have you in my arms, all to myself.”

I tilted my head back, allowing him better access as he trailed kisses along my jawline. “And now that you have me, what do you plan to do with me?” I asked breathlessly.

A wicked grin spread across his face. “Oh, I have a few ideas.” His hand slid lower, resting possessively on the small of my back.

Kai’s finger traced tantalizing patterns on my lower back as we danced. The heat of his touch seeped through the thin fabric of my gown, and I pressed closer to him. Our bodies moved as one to the rhythm of the music.

“Where’s Archer and Theo?” I asked.

“Archer and Mila are hidden away in the library. Theo is wandering around somewhere, probably trying to get laid,” Kai chuckled darkly. “Forget about them. Tonight, it’s just you and me.”

As the music swelled and the other guests faded into the background, Kai took my hand and led me away from the crowded ballroom. We wove through the crowds of people, Kai's grip on my hand firm and reassuring. My heart raced with anticipation and excitement, wondering where he was taking me.

We slipped through a set of ornate French doors and found ourselves on a secluded balcony overlooking the manor's lush gardens. The cool night air caressed my skin, a welcome respite from the heat of the ballroom. The balcony was adorned with twinkling fairy lights, casting a soft, romantic glow over the space. The distant sound of music and laughter drifted up from the party below, but here, it was just the two of us, cocooned in our private world.

Kai pulled me into his arms, his hands resting on my hips as he gazed down at me with an intensity that made my breath catch in my throat. In the soft glow of the fairy lights, I could see the depth of emotion swirling in his mesmerizing blue eyes, usually so guarded but now open and vulnerable.

“Haven,” he whispered, his voice low and filled with a raw honesty I had never heard before. “I need to tell you something.”

My heart skipped a beat as I searched his face, trying to read the emotions playing across his chiseled features. “What is it, Kai?”

He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he was about to say. “I've been fighting this for so long, trying to deny what I feel for you. But I can't do it anymore. I can't keep pretending you're just another conquest I can walk away from unscathed. The truth is, Haven, I’m falling for you. Hard. And it scares the hell out of me.”

His words hung between us, a confession that made my heart soar and ache all at once. I reached up, gently removing his mask to reveal the vulnerability etched on his handsome face.

“Kai,” I breathed as my voice trembled with emotion. “I’m falling for you too. I’ve never felt this way about anyone. It’s terrifying and exhilarating all at once.”

A smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he leaned closer, his forehead resting against mine. “I don’t know what my future holds, little lamb. But I do know that I want you in it. I want to see where this path leads us.”

“I want that too, Kai.” My fingers traced the strong lines of his jaw.

He closed the remaining distance between us as his lips captured mine in a searing kiss that stole the breath from my lungs. His kiss was gentle at first, a featherlight brush of his lips against mine that sent shivers down my spine. As I melted into his embrace, our kiss deepened, becoming more urgent and passionate. His hands roamed my back, pulling me flush against his hard, muscular body as if he couldn’t get close enough.

My fingers tangled in his dark hair, holding him close as our tongues danced and explored. It felt like coming home, like every moment in my life had been leading up to this one perfect kiss. The world around us faded away until there was nothing but the two of us, lost in each other's touch and the all-consuming fire that burned between us.

Kai's hand slid lower, cupping my backside and pressing me more firmly against him. I could feel his desire, hard and insistent against my stomach. A soft moan escaped my lips as his mouth trailed hot, open-mouthed kisses along my jaw and down the column of my throat.

“Kai,” I gasped, my head falling back to give him better access. “We shouldn't…not here…”

He nipped at the sensitive skin of my collarbone, soothing the sting with his tongue. “You may be right. But I don’t care.”

His hand slid down my back, finding the zipper of my gown and slowly dragging it downward. The cool night air kissed my exposed skin as the fabric parted, revealing more and more of my body to his hungry gaze. Kai's lips trailed lower, ghosting over the swell of my breasts as he pushed the straps of my dress off my shoulders.

"Kai," I breathed, my voice trembling with desire. "Someone might see us."

"Let them," he growled, his eyes dark with lust. "I want the world to know you're mine."

With one swift tug, he pulled my gown down, exposing my breasts to the moonlight. His mouth closed over one sensitive peak, his tongue swirling and teasing as his hand cupped and kneaded the other. I arched into his touch, my fingers digging into his shoulders as waves of pleasure coursed through my body. His touch was electrifying, setting every nerve ending ablaze with desire.

Kai's mouth continued its sensual assault, trailing lower as he slowly sank to his knees before me. His hands slid up my thighs, pushing the skirt of my gown higher until it pooled around my waist. I shivered as the cool air caressed my heated skin.

He looked up at me through his long, dark lashes, his blue eyes smoldering with unbridled lust. “You're so beautiful,” he murmured, his breath hot against my inner thigh. “I want to taste every inch of you.”

My breath caught in my throat as his fingers hooked into the waistband of my lace panties, slowly dragging them down my legs. I stepped out of them, my breath coming in shallow gasps as his hands glided up my bare legs, his touch leaving goosebumps in their wake. He placed a soft, reverent kiss on my inner thigh, so close to where I ached for him most.

He leaned in, his nose brushing against my core as he inhaled deeply, savoring my scent.

“Fuck, you smell divine,” he groaned.

“Kai, please…” I whispered. My voice was barely audible over the pounding of my heart.

A wicked grin spread across his face as he looked up at me. His blue eyes were dark with desire. “Please what, little lamb? Tell me what you want.”

“I want you,” I breathed. “I want your mouth on me, your tongue, your fingers. I want you to make me come undone.”

He growled a low, primal sound. “As you wish.”

I gasped as his tongue darted out, licking a slow, teasing stripe up my slit. My hands flew to his hair, tangling in the dark strands as he explored me with his mouth.

That fucking phenomenal mouth of his.

He lapped at my folds, his tongue circling my sensitive numb before sucking it between his lips. The pleasure was intense, almost too much to bear, and my legs trembled with the effort to remain standing. His hands gripped my hips, holding me steady as he devoured me. He alternated between long, slow licks and quick, flicking motions that had me writhing against his tongue, driving me closer and closer to the edge. My moans grew louder, more desperate, as he worked me into a frenzy.

“Oh god, Kai, don't stop,” I panted, my head falling back.

Kai redoubled his efforts, his tongue delving deeper, fucking me with long, firm strokes. He slid one, then two fingers inside my dripping entrance, curling them just to hit that perfect spot within me. My inner walls clenched around his digits as he pumped them in and out, matching the rhythm of his wicked tongue on my clit.

“That’s it, little lamb,” he murmured against my heated flesh. “Let go. Come for me.”

His words were my undoing. With one final flick of his tongue, I shattered, my body convulsing as waves of ecstasy crashed over me. Kai held me through it, his mouth never leaving my core as he lapped up every last drop of my release.

When the tremors subsided, he rose to his feet, his arms encircling my waist to support my boneless body. He captured my lips in a searing kiss, and I could taste myself on his tongue. My fingers fumbled with his pants, desperate to feel his hard, thick length against my palm. With deft fingers, I unbuckled his belt and unzipped his trousers, freeing his massive erection. Kai hissed as my hand wrapped around his velvety shaft, stroking him from base to tip.

In one swift motion, he spun me around, pressing my front against the balcony railing. The cool stone bit into my heated skin as he kicked my legs apart, spreading me wide for him. I heard the rustle of fabric as he shoved his trousers and briefs down just enough to free himself completely.

His hard length nestled between my ass cheeks as he leaned over me, pressing his chest against my back. One hand gripped my hip while the other slid around to cup my breast, teasing the sensitive nipple into a tight peak.

“I’m going to fuck you now,” he growled in my ear. “I’m going to bury myself so deep inside you that you’ll forget your own name.”

“Yes,” I breathed, arching back against him.

With one powerful thrust, he sheathed himself fully inside my wet heat. I cried out at the sudden intrusion, and my hands gripped the railing as he stretched and filled me completely. He stilled for a moment, giving me time to adjust to his size.

“Fuck, you feel so incredible,” he groaned as he rested his forehead between my shoulder blades. “So wet and tight for me. You’re dripping all down my thighs.”

Kai began to move slowly at first, pulling almost all the way out before slamming back into me with a force that made me see stars. His thrusts grew harder, faster, as he set a punishing pace that had me crying out. The balcony railing dug into my hips as he pounded into me from behind, but I enjoyed the pain.

“Kai,” I moaned. “Harder…fuck me harder.”

He snarled as he snapped his hips forward, driving into me with a force that shook me to my core. His fingers dug into my hips, sure to leave bruises, as he held me steady, angling my body to hit that perfect spot within me with each thrust.

“Is this what you wanted, little lamb?” he spoke against my ear. “To be taken hard and fast, right here where anyone could see?”

“Yes!” I cried out. My voice broke as he thrust deep. “Don’t stop. Please don’t stop.”

He chuckled darkly, the sound vibrating through his chest pressed against my back. “I’m not going to stop until you’re screaming my name and the whole party knows who you belong to.”

His words only fueled the fire raging inside me. I pushed back against him, meeting every powerful thrust with my own. The sound of skin slapping against skin mingled with our moans and gasps, a primal symphony that filled the night air.

Kai's hand slid from my hip, ghosting over the curve of my ass before coming down in a sharp smack. I cried out, clenching around him as the sting morphed into pleasure. He squeezed the reddened flesh, soothing the sting before bringing his hand down again, harder this time. I writhed against him, the delicious combination of pain and pleasure pushing me closer to the brink.

“You like that, don’t you?” He punctuated his words with another sharp smack. “You like when I spank this perfect ass while I’m buried deep inside you.”

“Yes,” I whimpered. “I love the way you make me feel.”

His hand slid around my hip, finding my swollen clit. He rubbed tight, fast circles around the sensitive bundle of nerves, and I saw stars. The dual sensations of his thick cock stretching me and his skilled fingers on my clit were almost too much to bear. My climax was building, coiling tighter and tighter in the pit of my stomach.

“That's it, baby. Take everything I give you. You’re mine, Haven. All mine," Kai growled. “You're being such a good girl for me.”

His praise washed over me, stoking the flames of my desire.

"Fuck, Haven," he groaned, burying his face in the crook of my neck as his hips stuttered. "I’m getting close. I want you to come with me.”

I shattered as my inner walls clenched around him like a vice. I cried out his name, not caring who might hear, as my orgasm ripped through my body with a force that left me whimpering. He stilled and spilled himself deep inside me. I felt the warmth of his release coating my inner walls as he pulsed and twitched within me. His teeth sank into the sensitive skin of my shoulder, marking me as he rode out the waves of his climax.

His arms stayed wrapped around me, holding me close as he pressed soft, reverent kisses along my neck and shoulders. When our breathing slowed, he gently withdrew from my body. I winced at the sudden emptiness, already missing the feeling of him inside of me. He turned me around to face him, his hands cupping my face as he gazed down at me with a tenderness that made my heart ache. His hair was tousled, his cheeks flushed, and his lips swollen from our kisses.

I could only imagine what I looked like.

Kai brushed a stray lock of hair from my face, tucking it behind my ear with a gentle touch. “You are so beautiful,” he murmured, his eyes roaming over my face as if committing every detail to memory.

I leaned into his touch, savoring the warmth of his palm against my cheek. “So are you,” I whispered, tracing the strong line of his jaw with my fingertips.

He captured my hand, bringing it to his lips to press a soft kiss against my knuckles. The tender gesture made my heart flutter in my chest. I had never seen this side of Kai—gentle, affectionate, almost vulnerable. It starkly contrasted the dominant, commanding presence he exuded in front of others and in the bedroom.

I reached up, cupping his face in my hands as I pulled him down for a languid kiss. Our lips moved together in a slow dance, savoring the taste and feel of each other. When we finally parted, Kai rested his forehead against mine. His eyes closed as he held me close.

“We should probably head back inside,” he murmured, though he made no move to release me from his embrace. “People might start to wonder where we disappeared to.”

I couldn't help but giggle. “I think they probably have a pretty good idea, given how loud we were.”

Kai chuckled, the deep, rich sound sending shivers down my spine. “Let them talk. I want the whole world to know that you're mine.”

The possessive edge to his voice sent a thrill through me. I had never belonged to anyone before and had never wanted to. But with him, it felt different. It felt right, like I had finally found my place in the world, wrapped in his strong arms.

Reluctantly, we disentangled ourselves, and he helped me adjust my gown. I straightened his tie and smoothed down his tousled hair, though I secretly loved the just-fucked look on him. He tucked himself back into his pants and put his mask back on. Hand in hand, we returned to the ballroom, slipping effortlessly back into the swirling crowd of masked revelers. Everywhere I looked, couples were dancing, kissing, and touching with wild abandon, their inhibitions stripped away by the anonymity of their masks. No one seemed to have noticed our absence, too caught up in their own revelry to pay us any mind.

I caught sight of Mila and Archer in the crowd, judging by where her hands were. I’d say we both had the same mind regarding what we were interested in. I smiled and looked away, giving them privacy, and I saw Maddie making her way through the crowd. Her eyes were fixed on something in front of her, so I followed her gaze to see a pretty blonde heading toward the exit with a tall man with dark hair.

I squinted my eyes because there was something familiar about the man’s profile. But it couldn’t be…

My heart skipped a beat because I realized who the man was. Even with his mask on, I would recognize that profile anywhere. It was my brother, and he was leaving the masquerade ball with a blonde woman I had seen hanging out with Mila at the quarry.

I stood frozen, my mind reeling as I tried to process what I’d seen. Sensing my sudden tension, Kai followed my gaze and looked back at me with concern etched on his face.

“What’s wrong?”

“That girl. The one leaving. Who is that?”

“That’s Lacey, one of Mila’s best friends.”

My brother was up to something, and I didn’t wait to see what it was. I tore out of Kai’s embrace and shoved through the crowd. Kai called out behind me, but I couldn’t stop. I had to know what my brother was doing here and why he was leaving with Mila’s friend. I raced through the ballroom, dodging dancing couples and ignoring the startled looks I received as I pushed toward the exit. My heart pounded in my chest, a sense of dread settling in the pit of my stomach.

I burst through the grand entrance doors just in time to see my brother helping Lacey into the back of a sleek black car. He glanced back, his eyes meeting mine through the mask. We stared at each other, a silent battle of wills. Then, he turned away and slid into the seat next to her, closing the door behind him. Without hesitation, I hitched up my gown and sprinted toward the car, my heels clicking frantically on the pavement. My heart sank as the car carrying my brother and Lacey sped off into the night, disappearing around a bend in the long, winding driveway.

Opening my clutch, I grabbed my phone and dialed my brother’s number. He answered on the first ring as if he was expecting my call.

“Haven, are you enjoying the party?” my brother’s voice was calm, almost nonchalant. “I assume you have some questions.”

“What the hell are you doing, Alex?” I hissed into the phone, trying to keep my voice low so as not to draw attention.

“Always the inquisitive one, aren’t you, baby sister?” he chuckled, but there was no humor in his tone. “Let’s just say I have some business to attend to. Business that doesn’t concern you.”

“Bullshit,” I snapped, my anger rising. “Cut the crap,” I snapped. “I know you, and you knew I’d see you. What are you up to?”

There was a long pause, and for a moment, I thought he might have hung up. Then I heard him sigh heavily. “You always were too smart for your own good,” he said finally, his voice tinged with pride and annoyance. “Leave it alone, Haven. You have bigger things to worry about right now.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m sending you something. After you watch it, I suggest you take a long, hard look at where your loyalties lie. Because my patience is running thin with you, your little boyfriend, and his merry band of brothers.”

Before I could respond, the line went dead. I stared at my phone, my hand trembling. Alex’s cryptic words echoed in my mind. My phone dinged, and it was a text from my brother.

A video.

I hit play, and what I watched had my stomach sinking to the ground. The video filled my screen, grainy and dark at first. As the image came into focus, I gasped, my hand flying to my mouth in shock. Candles dimly lit the room, and whoever took the video was surrounded by figures in hooded cloaks with masks on their faces. In the center of the room were four people. Four naked people. And I would recognize Kai anywhere. I watched as Archer, Kai, and Theo fucked Mila on a stone altar. Bile rose in my throat as I realized the full extent of what I was witnessing. This wasn’t just a wild orgy or some kinky foursome. There was something darker at play here. The hooded figures surrounding them, the ancient symbols etched into the altar, all pointing to a twisted, occult ritual.

My mind reeled as I tried to reconcile the Kai I thought I knew—the man who had just held me tenderly in his arms, professing his feelings for me—with the man in the video, lost in a dark, depraved ritual with his brothers and Mila. I struggled to process what I had just watched, each thrust and moan twisting like a dagger in my chest. The candlelight flickered across their sweat-slicked skin, illuminating the primal passion that consumed them. Mila writhed beneath them, her cries of ecstasy echoing through the tinny speaker as they took her again and again.

Bile rose in my throat, bitter and burning. I wanted to look away, to deny the truth that played out before my eyes, but I was transfixed, unable to tear my gaze from the sordid display. Tears blurred my vision as a wave of betrayal crashed over me, threatening to pull me under.

How could he do this to me? After everything we had shared, the tender words and heated touches, the promises whispered in the dark…had it all been a lie? A cruel game to lure me into his twisted web?

My phone slipped from my numb fingers, clattering to the ground as I stood frozen, my heart shattering into a million jagged pieces. The world around me faded away until there was nothing but the pain, raw and all-consuming, ripping through my chest like wildfire. Tears streamed down my face, smearing my carefully applied makeup. I felt like I was going to be sick. The images replayed in my mind on a sickening loop—Kai fucking Mila’s mouth on that altar, surrounded by those creepy cloaked figures. This was the man I had given myself to, body and soul.

A strangled sob escaped my throat as the full weight of his betrayal crashed over me. A gentle hand touched my shoulder, startling me. I whirled around to see Kai standing behind me.

“What’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” His voice was soft, laced with tenderness that now felt like poison.

I jerked away from his touch. “Don’t,” I hissed, my voice dripping with venom. “Don’t you dare touch me!”

His brow furrowed in confusion while his blue eyes searched my face for answers. “Baby, what’s going on? Talk to me.”

A bitter laugh tore from my throat. “Talk to you? Why should I when all you’ve done is lie to me?” My voice rose with each word, drawing curious glances from the guests and bodyguards milling about the entrance.

“I don’t understand. What lies? What are you talking about?” He reached for me again, but I slapped his hand away.

“I saw the video, Kai. You, Archer, Theo, and Mila and your sick fucking ritualistic orgy or whatever the hell it was.” I thrust my phone at him, the damning video still playing on the screen.

His eyes widened as he watched the video, his face draining of color. He looked like a deer caught in headlights, his mouth opening and closing as he struggled to find the words.

“Where did you get this?” he demanded.

“Does it matter?” I spat, snatching my phone back from him. “The point is, now I know the truth. I know what you really are.”

“Haven, I…” he began, his voice faltering. “It’s not what it looks like.”

I laughed, but it was a hollow, broken sound. “Jesus, Kai! How stupid do you really think I am? It’s exactly what it looks like! And here I thought…” My voice broke as a fresh wave of tears streamed down my face. He reached for me again, desperation etched on his handsome features.

“Please, let me explain,” he pleaded. “There are things about my family, about our history, that you don’t understand. It’s complicated, but I swear to you, my feelings for you are real. What we have is real.”

I shook my head vehemently, backing away from him. “I understand enough, and I don’t want to hear any more of your lies. There’s nothing complicated about getting sucked off by another woman. Your brother’s soon-to-be-wife. I moved past the fucking hunt you all participate in, but this is too much. Was this all just a part of your sick game? Seduce the na?ve daughter of your enemy, only to crush her heart in the end? I can’t believe I was foolish enough to trust you and think that someone like you could care about me.”

Tears streamed down my face as I choked on the words, each one slicing through me like a razor blade. The pain was unbearable, a searing agony that consumed every fiber of my being.

His face crumpled. “Haven, please,” he begged, his voice breaking. “It’s not like that at all. I know how it looks, but there’s so much more to the story. I wanted to tell you. I tried so many times.”

“You had plenty of chances to come clean, Kai,” I scoffed bitterly. “I’m done listening to your excuses and half-truths. You chose to keep me in the dark, feeding me pretty words and empty promises while you were off fucking Mila, Maddie, and who knows how many other girls, and now I know why.”

His shoulders sagged, the weight of his guilt bearing down on him. “I was trying to protect you, Haven. I never meant for you to find out like this. You have to believe me. I never meant to hurt you. I lo?—”

“Don’t!” I cut him off harshly, holding up a trembling hand. “Don’t you dare say it. Not now. Not after this.”

I couldn’t bear to hear those words from his lips, not when every promise, every tender moment between us now felt tainted by his betrayal.

“Please give me the chance to make this right. To explain everything.”

I shook my head, my heart hardening with each passing second. “I don’t have to listen to anything you say anymore, Kai. You’ve shown me who you really are, and I want any part of it—of you.”

Each word was a dagger twisting in my chest, but I forced them out, needing him to feel the depth of my pain. I turned away from him, unable to look at his face a moment longer. The face that had once filled me with such warmth and desire now only brought pain and revulsion.

“We’re done. Whatever this was between us, it’s over.”

I started to walk away, my vision blurred by tears. I needed to get out of there and put as much distance between Kai and me as possible. I couldn't breathe, couldn't think straight with him so close.

"Haven, wait!" He called after me, his footsteps pounding on the pavement as he chased me.

I quickened my pace, hitching up my gown so I could move faster. But Kai was faster. He caught up to me easily, his hand grasping my elbow to stop me.

“Let go of me!” I wrenched my arm free from his grasp, whirling to face him. “Don’t fucking touch me! You don’t get to touch me anymore. Not after what you’ve done.”

“I said let go!” I screamed, drawing alarmed glances from nearby guests. A few of Kai's bodyguards stepped forward, their hands resting on the guns at their hips, ready to intervene.

Kai held up his free hand, signaling for them to stand down. “Give us a minute,” he commanded, his voice brokering no argument. They nodded and stepped back, but I could feel their watchful gazes on us.

He turned back to me, his blue eyes pleading. “Haven, I know you're hurt and angry right now, and you have every right to be. But please, don't do this. Don't throw away what we have without giving me a chance to explain.”

I stared at him in silence, so he continued.

“Why am I wrong for what I did when you literally fuck men for money?” he scoffed in anger.

Once those words left his mouth, I knew he regretted them, but there was no taking them back. They were already hovering in the toxic space between us.

“The difference is I never lied to you about it.”

“Oh, so you can fuck whoever you want?—”

“I don’t have a choice!” I screamed. “ You , of all people, know that.”

“You always have a choice,” he sneered.

“Fuck you, Kai Montgomery. If you come near me again, I’ll kill you.”

I reached the valet stand, my chest heaving with exertion and emotion. “My car, now!” I demanded. The startled attendant scrambled to comply, running to retrieve my vehicle. I slid into the driver’s seat, slamming the door behind me. My hands shook violently as I jabbed my finger at the push-to-start ignition. The engine roared to life, and I peeled out of the driveway, tires screeching against the pavement. In the rearview mirror, I could see Kai standing in the driveway, his figure growing smaller as I sped away. Part of me wanted to turn back, to hear him out and give him a chance to explain. But I couldn’t because I knew that if I looked into his blue eyes, the ones that held such tenderness when he looked at me, all I’d see reflected back was my shattered heart.

The rational part of my brain screamed at me to pull over, saying I was in no state to be behind the wheel. But I couldn't stop. I needed to put as much distance between myself and that nightmare of a masquerade as possible. My phone continued to buzz, Kai's name lighting up the screen with each new call and text. I wanted to hurl the device out the window, to sever this last connection to him, but some masochistic part of me couldn't let it go. I don’t know how long I drove, but eventually, I found myself pulling into the underground garage of my apartment building, operating on pure muscle memory. I stumbled from the car, not even bothering to lock it behind me as I staggered toward the elevator. Tears blurred my vision, my chest heaving with sobs I could no longer contain. The betrayal and heartache churned in my stomach like acid.

The elevator ride to my floor seemed to take an eternity, the confines of the metal box closing in on me as I struggled to breathe. When the doors finally slid open, I practically fell into the hallway, my legs threatening to give out beneath me. I fumbled with my keys, my hands shaking so badly that it took me three tries to unlock my door.

Once inside, I slammed the door shut, engaging every lock with a manic desperation. As if a few flimsy bolts could keep out the pain that had already taken root deep inside me. I leaned against the door, my legs finally giving out as I slid to the floor. The dam broke, and I dissolved into gut-wrenching sobs. My entire body shook with the force of my anguish. I pulled my knees to my chest, hugging myself tightly as if I could physically hold the shattered pieces of my heart together.

I don't know how long I sat there on the cold, hard floor, my cries echoing off the walls of my empty apartment. Minutes, hours—time had lost all meaning. The gown that had made me feel so beautiful, so desired, now felt like a cruel mockery; the fabric twisted and wrinkled around my trembling form. With shaking hands, I reached behind me, fumbling for the zipper. I needed to get it off, to shed this reminder of the fairy tale that had turned into a nightmare.

The dress pooled around my waist as I finally managed to tug it down, the cool air hitting my bare skin like a slap. I let it fall to the floor as I stumbled to my feet, not caring about the expensive fabric as I stepped over it, leaving it behind like the tattered remnants of my broken dreams.

I staggered into the bathroom, flicking on the light. My reflection stared back at me from the mirror, a broken, hollow shell of a woman I had been just hours before. My carefully applied makeup was smeared across my face, black tracks of mascara cutting through the remnants of my blush and lipstick. My eyes were red and swollen, the green irises dull and lifeless. My hair, once elegantly coiffed, hung in tangled disarray around my face. I looked as broken as I felt, a shattered porcelain doll discarded on the unforgiving bathroom tile. I hardly recognized myself.

With shaking hands, I turned on the shower, cranking the temperature as hot as possible. I needed to wash away his touch, his scent, any trace of him from my body. Steam filled the small room as I stepped under the scalding spray, the water sluicing over my skin like a baptism of fire. I scrubbed at my flesh until it was raw and aching, as if I could somehow cleanse myself of the memories, the feelings that still clung to me like a second skin. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t erase the imprint of his hands on my body, the ghost of his lips against mine. He was etched into my very being, a tattoo on my soul that I could never remove.